Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027
The snow has fallen, the Christmas tree is lit and Christmas Day is just one sleep away. Step back in time at York Castle Museum this festive season and discover a traditional Yorkshire Christmas, from twinkling shopfronts to a familiar face in a green cloak.
Christmas at York Castle Museum: The Night Before Christmas brings festive sights, sounds and stories to one of York’s most atmospheric attractions, with plenty for families to enjoy.
It’s Christmas Eve on Kirkgate
The museum’s famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, will be dressed for the season with twinkling garlands, festive shopfronts and preparations for the big day. Wander along the cobbles and through frosty alleyways to experience Christmas Eve nearly 200 years ago.
New for 2026, look out for shadowy silhouettes of Kirkgate’s residents doing their last-minute shopping, decorating trees and sharing a mistletoe kiss. There’s also an immersive display of snowflakes and icicles down Rowntree Snicket. Elsewhere in the museum, discover festive feasts in the historical dining rooms, toys and winter accessories in the Victorian shop windows, and Christmas traditions that families still enjoy today.
Meet a traditional Father Christmas
Keep an eye out for Father Christmas in his traditional green cloak, greeting visitors on Kirkgate on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Ebenezer Scrooge returns on Fridays and Christmas Eve with family-friendly performances of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. On selected dates, live music will fill Kirkgate and the Sixties Street with carols, festive tunes and modern Christmas favourites.
NEW relaxed Christmas visits
New for 2026, relaxed Christmas visits will take place on selected days throughout November and December.
These specially adapted sessions offer a more relaxed welcome for visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience or a different pace. This includes neurodivergent visitors, people with sensory processing differences and families who might need a quieter space.
Spaces are limited, so advance booking is strongly encouraged.
Festive workshops and evening events
Alongside the family-friendly Christmas activities, there’s a programme of seasonal workshops and evening events for adults.
Try festive wreath making or bespoke Christmas card printing, enjoy an evening Scrooge spectacular, or settle in for chilling ghost stories from Edwyrdian Tales, accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies.
A little Christmas shopping
Leave time for a browse in the museum gift shop, where you’ll find gifts and Christmas decorations to suit a range of budgets. Look out for the bespoke Green Father Christmas tree decoration, designed especially for York Castle Museum: a lovely reminder of your festive visit.
Christmas at York Castle Museum: useful information
- Dates: Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
- Where: York Castle Museum, York.
- Tickets: Tickets last 12 months, so you can pay for a day and return for free throughout the year.
- Family savings: Family saver tickets are available, and York resident children under 16 go free.
- Character appearances: Father Christmas on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; Scrooge on Fridays and Christmas Eve.
- Relaxed visits: Selected dates in November and December. Advance booking is strongly encouraged.
- Plan your visit: Check the museum’s website for opening times, activity dates and booking details.
